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B1 Noun (Gerund) / Verb (Present Participle) #34 most common 13 min read

quoting

Top 34

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips quoting in 30 Seconds

Explanation quoting in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'quoting' is a word you might not use very often, but you will understand it as 'saying what someone else said.' Think of it like a game of telephone. If your friend says 'I like apples' and you tell your teacher 'My friend said, "I like apples,"' you are quoting your friend. It is about repeating the exact words. You might hear it in simple stories or when teachers talk about rules. For example, 'The teacher is quoting the school rules.' It is a way to show that the words are not yours, but belong to someone else. You can think of it as 'copying with your voice' or 'copying with your pen.' At this level, don't worry about the hard rules of quoting; just remember it means using the same words as another person.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'quoting' in more common situations. You might use it when talking about your favorite movies or songs. If you say a line from a movie, you are quoting that movie. It is also used in simple business ways. If you ask a shop for the price of a bike, and they tell you it costs $100, they are quoting a price. So, quoting can mean 'repeating words' or 'giving a price.' In school, you might learn to use quotation marks ("") when you are quoting a character in a book. This helps the reader know who is speaking. It is a very useful word for being clear about where information comes from. You might say, 'He is quoting his favorite singer in his social media post.'

At the B1 level, 'quoting' becomes more important for school and work. You need to know that quoting means using the exact words of a source. If you change even one word, it is not a perfect quote. In your essays, you will start quoting authors to prove your points. You will also learn that you must say who you are quoting so you don't get in trouble for 'stealing' ideas. In business, you will hear people 'quoting for a job.' This means they are giving a formal price for work they will do. For example, 'The mechanic is quoting $200 to fix the car.' At this level, you should be able to use 'quoting' as a noun (the act of quoting) and as a verb (he is quoting). It is a key word for being professional and accurate.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'quoting.' This includes the concept of 'quoting out of context,' which is when someone uses a small part of a statement to change the meaning. This is a common topic in news and politics. You should also be comfortable quoting complex sources in your writing, using proper punctuation and citations. In a professional environment, you might be responsible for quoting prices to clients, which requires precision and an understanding of contracts. You might say, 'The company is quoting a very competitive rate for the new project.' You should also recognize that quoting can be used to show irony or distance from an idea, often indicated in speech by using 'air quotes' with your fingers. It is about authority, evidence, and financial commitment.

At the C1 level, 'quoting' is a sophisticated tool for rhetoric and analysis. You use it to weave the voices of other experts into your own arguments. You understand that quoting is not just about evidence, but about stylistic choice—choosing the perfect phrase from a source to enhance your own writing. You are aware of the legal implications of quoting, such as 'fair use' in copyright law. In business, you might deal with 're-quoting,' where prices are updated based on new information. You also understand how quoting functions in literature as intertextuality, where one author quotes another to create a deeper meaning. You can discuss the ethics of quoting, especially in journalism, where the accuracy of a quote can make or break a story. Your use of the word reflects a high level of precision and critical thinking.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'quoting' in all its forms. You can use it to discuss complex legal precedents, philosophical treatises, and intricate financial instruments. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how the practice of quoting has changed with technology, from oral traditions to digital 'quote tweets.' You can analyze how quoting is used as a power dynamic in discourse—who gets quoted, and why? You are adept at identifying subtle misquotes or 'shadow quoting' in political rhetoric. In professional settings, you might manage large-scale quoting systems for global markets. You use the word with absolute precision, recognizing its role as a cornerstone of academic integrity, legal authority, and commercial reliability. Quoting, for you, is an essential element of high-level intellectual and professional exchange.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

quoting in 30 Seconds

Quoting is the precise repetition of words from a source, essential for academic integrity and clear communication in various professional fields.
In business, quoting refers to providing a fixed price or estimate for services, acting as a formal financial commitment between parties.
The word functions as both a gerund and a present participle, describing an ongoing action or the concept of attribution itself.
Commonly heard in classrooms, courtrooms, and newsrooms, quoting ensures that information is accurately attributed to its original author or speaker.

The term quoting is a versatile word in the English language that functions as both a gerund (a noun formed from a verb) and a present participle. At its core, it describes the action of repeating or reproducing someone else's exact words. This is a fundamental skill in communication, whether you are sharing a funny remark a friend made, citing a famous philosopher in a university essay, or reporting what a politician said during a press conference. However, the word extends beyond mere repetition. In the world of business and commerce, quoting takes on a more financial meaning, referring to the act of providing a specific price estimate or a formal statement of how much a job or service will cost. Understanding these two primary branches—the linguistic and the financial—is key to mastering the word's usage across different professional and social environments.

Academic Context: In academic writing, quoting is the practice of taking a segment of text from a source and placing it within your own work to support an argument or provide evidence. It requires strict adherence to formatting rules, such as using quotation marks and providing a proper citation to avoid plagiarism. This process ensures that the original author receives credit for their intellectual property.

The professor spent the entire lecture quoting from the original 17th-century manuscripts to prove his point about historical linguistics.

Commercial Context: In business, quoting is the act of giving a potential customer a fixed price for a project. Unlike an estimate, which might change, a quote is often seen as a binding agreement. When a contractor is quoting a price for a kitchen renovation, they are calculating materials, labor, and time to give the homeowner a clear financial expectation.

After inspecting the damaged roof, the builder began quoting a figure that included both the tiles and the labor costs.

Furthermore, quoting is used in the stock market to describe the process of stating the current price of a security or commodity. Traders and investors rely on real-time quoting systems to make split-second decisions about buying or selling. This usage highlights the word's connection to precision and authority. Whether it is the authority of a text or the authority of a price, quoting is about presenting a specific, unchangeable piece of information derived from an external source. It is a bridge between the source of information and the audience receiving it, demanding accuracy and transparency at every level of communication.

The news anchor was quoting the latest figures from the stock exchange, showing a sharp decline in tech shares.

Legal Context: In a courtroom, quoting previous legal cases (known as precedents) is essential for lawyers to build their arguments. By quoting a specific ruling from a higher court, a lawyer can influence the judge's decision based on established law.

By quoting the Fourth Amendment, the defense attorney argued that the evidence had been obtained through an illegal search.

The teenagers were quoting lines from the latest superhero movie, laughing at the inside jokes only they understood.

Using the word quoting correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a gerund or a present participle. When used as a gerund, it acts as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, 'Quoting sources correctly is essential for academic integrity.' Here, the act of quoting is the main topic. When used as a present participle, it describes an ongoing action, usually paired with a form of the verb 'to be.' For instance, 'She is quoting the CEO's speech in her report.' This indicates that the action is happening in the present or is a continuous state. The word is almost always followed by an object—the thing being quoted—such as a person, a book, a price, or a specific phrase.

Direct Attribution: When you use quoting to attribute words to a specific person, you typically use the structure: [Subject] + [is/was] + quoting + [Person]. This clearly identifies the source of the information.

The journalist was quoting an anonymous whistleblower who claimed the company had been dumping toxic waste.

Financial Estimates: In a business setting, the structure often involves quoting a price or a rate. For example: [Subject] + [is] + quoting + [Price/Rate] + [for Service]. This is common in sales, logistics, and construction.

The shipping company is currently quoting three thousand dollars for a standard container from Shanghai to Los Angeles.

In literary analysis, quoting is used to highlight specific stylistic choices made by an author. You might say, 'By quoting the protagonist's inner monologue, the critic illustrates the character's descent into madness.' This shows how the act of quoting serves as a tool for deeper exploration. In daily life, we often use it to verify information. If someone tells you something shocking, you might ask, 'Are you quoting him exactly, or are you just paraphrasing?' This distinction is vital for accuracy. The word also appears in the context of 'quoting out of context,' which refers to taking someone's words and presenting them in a way that distorts their original meaning. This is a frequent topic in media ethics and political debates.

Stop quoting me out of context to make it sound like I agreed to the proposal!

Gerund as Subject: When the word starts the sentence, it emphasizes the importance of the action itself. 'Quoting poetry can be a very romantic gesture if done at the right moment.'

Quoting statistics without explaining their significance is a common mistake in public speaking.

He kept quoting his father's old proverbs whenever we faced a difficult situation at work.

The word quoting is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and social settings. If you walk into a university library, you will hear students discussing the best way of quoting sources for their dissertations. In this environment, the word is synonymous with intellectual honesty and rigorous research. Professors will often remind students that quoting is not just about copying words, but about engaging with the ideas of others. You might hear a tutor say, 'When quoting the primary text, make sure you analyze why those specific words are important.' This highlights the analytical nature of the word in higher education.

In the Newsroom: Journalists use the word constantly. They are always quoting officials, experts, and eyewitnesses. In a news broadcast, you might hear, 'Quoting a government spokesperson, the BBC reports that the new policy will take effect next month.' Here, the word provides a layer of credibility and indicates that the information is not the reporter's opinion but a factual statement from a source.

The news report was quoting the Prime Minister's speech from earlier today regarding the economic crisis.

On the Construction Site: In the trades, quoting is a daily occurrence. A plumber might say, 'I'm quoting you for the labor and the parts separately.' In this context, the word is about financial transparency and setting expectations. Customers will often ask, 'Are you quoting me a fixed price or an hourly rate?' This shows how the word is central to commercial negotiations and contracts.

The electrician is quoting a much lower price than the previous company we consulted.

In the digital age, quoting has taken on a new life on social media. Platforms like Twitter (X) have a 'quote tweet' feature, which allows users to share someone else's post while adding their own commentary. People will say, 'I'm quoting your tweet because I totally agree with your point.' This has made the concept of quoting more interactive and conversational. In the legal world, you will hear lawyers quoting statutes and previous rulings to persuade a judge. A lawyer might state, 'Quoting the 1992 Supreme Court decision, we believe my client's rights were violated.' This use of the word carries the weight of the law and historical precedent. Finally, in casual social circles, quoting is a way of sharing culture. Friends might spend an evening quoting lines from a shared favorite TV show, using the word to signify a shared identity and sense of humor.

The lawyer spent the afternoon quoting legal precedents to the jury to explain why the defendant was innocent.

In the Boardroom: Executives often use quoting when discussing market trends or competitor actions. 'Quoting the latest market research, our market share has grown by five percent.' This uses the word to back up business strategies with hard data.

The CEO was quoting the quarterly earnings report to reassure the anxious investors.

The author is famous for quoting obscure Latin poets in the middle of his modern detective novels.

One of the most frequent mistakes people make with quoting is failing to distinguish it from 'paraphrasing.' Quoting means using the exact, word-for-word language of the source. Paraphrasing means putting the source's ideas into your own words. Many students lose marks because they claim to be quoting but actually change several words, which is technically inaccurate. Another common error is 'quoting out of context.' This happens when someone takes a small part of a statement and uses it to support a point that the original speaker never intended. For example, if a movie critic says, 'This movie would be great if the acting wasn't so terrible,' and a promoter uses the quote 'This movie would be great,' they are quoting out of context to deceive the audience.

Punctuation Errors: In written English, quoting requires very specific punctuation. A common mistake is putting the period or comma outside the quotation marks in American English (though this is standard in British English). Another mistake is forgetting to use a comma before the quote, as in: He said "I am coming." (Correct: He said, "I am coming.")

She made a mistake by quoting the wrong version of the law, which led to her losing the debate.

Misattribution: This occurs when you are quoting a famous saying but attribute it to the wrong person. For instance, many people spend time quoting 'The ends justify the means' and attributing it to Machiavelli, even though he never actually wrote those exact words in 'The Prince.'

The politician was caught quoting a fake news article as if it were a verified scientific study.

In the financial sense, a common mistake is confusing 'quoting' with 'estimating.' If a professional is quoting you, they are usually giving a firm price. If they are estimating, the price is subject to change. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to legal disputes or unhappy customers. For example, if a mechanic says, 'I'm quoting you $500,' and then charges $800, the customer has a right to be upset because a quote is generally seen as a commitment. Additionally, in spoken English, people sometimes use 'quote-unquote' before and after a word to show irony or skepticism. A common mistake is using this too frequently or in situations where the irony isn't clear, which can make the speaker sound pretentious or confusing.

He was quoting the contract, but he conveniently left out the clause about the late fees.

Ellipsis Misuse: When quoting a long passage and removing parts of it, you must use an ellipsis (...). A mistake is removing words that change the fundamental meaning of the sentence, which is a form of intellectual dishonesty.

By quoting only the positive parts of the review, the publisher made the book seem better than it was.

The student was penalized for quoting a source without providing a page number in the citation.

While quoting is a very specific action, there are several related words that you can use depending on the context. Understanding the nuances between these alternatives will help you become a more precise communicator. The most common alternative in academic writing is 'citing.' While quoting refers to using the exact words, citing refers to the broader act of acknowledging the source of an idea, whether you use the exact words or not. Another similar word is 'referencing,' which is often used interchangeably with citing but can also mean simply mentioning something in passing. In business, alternatives to quoting include 'estimating,' 'pricing,' and 'bidding.'

Quoting vs. Citing: Quoting is word-for-word. Citing is giving credit. You can cite a source by paraphrasing it, but you can only quote it by using its exact language. Example: 'He is citing the study' (general) vs. 'He is quoting the study' (specific words).

Instead of just quoting the author, try to synthesize her ideas with your own observations.

Quoting vs. Estimating: In business, quoting is a firm price offer. Estimating is an educated guess. If a builder is quoting, the price is fixed. If they are estimating, the final bill might be higher or lower depending on the actual work done.

The vendor is quoting a flat fee, which is much safer for our budget than an estimate.

In more formal or legal contexts, you might use 'invoking.' To invoke a rule or a law is to use it as a justification for an action, which often involves quoting it. For example, 'The lawyer is invoking the right to remain silent.' Another formal synonym is 'excerpting.' This is used when you take a larger section of a text, like a whole paragraph or a chapter, and include it in another work. While quoting can be just a few words, excerpting usually implies a longer passage. In everyday conversation, 'repeating' is the most common synonym. If you repeat what someone said, you are essentially quoting them, but 'quoting' sounds more official. 'Parroting' is a negative alternative, suggesting that someone is repeating words without actually understanding them.

She was merely quoting her boss's opinions rather than thinking for herself.

Quoting vs. Reciting: Reciting usually implies speaking from memory, often in a rhythmic or formal way. Quoting can be done from memory or by reading from a page. You recite a poem, but you quote a statistic.

He was quoting Shakespeare to impress his date, but he got the lines slightly wrong.

The manual is quoting the maximum temperature the machine can handle before it shuts down.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The financial meaning of 'quoting' (giving a price) didn't appear until the mid-19th century. Before that, it was almost exclusively used for religious or legal texts. The transition happened because giving a price was seen as 'marking' a value, similar to how a verse was 'marked' in a book.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkwəʊ.tɪŋ/

US /ˈkwoʊ.t̬ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: QUO-ting.

Rhymes With

voting coating floating bloating gloating noting promoting devoting

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'ko-ting' (missing the 'w' sound).
Over-emphasizing the 'g' at the end.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'au' (like in 'caught').
Failing to flap the 't' in American English, making it sound too formal.
Stressing the second syllable (quo-TING).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to quotation marks.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of complex punctuation and citation rules.

Speaking 4/5

Natural use of 'quote-unquote' takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Usually clear from context whether it's about words or prices.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

say write price repeat word

Learn Next

citation paraphrase plagiarism verbatim estimate

Advanced

intertextuality attribution precedent verisimilitude discourse

Grammar to Know

Gerunds as Subjects

Quoting is a necessary skill for all university students.

Present Participle for Continuous Action

He is currently quoting the latest market prices.

Punctuation with Quotes

When quoting, the comma usually precedes the opening quotation mark.

Ellipses in Quoting

Use '...' when quoting only a portion of a longer sentence.

Capitalization in Quoting

If quoting a full sentence, start the quote with a capital letter.

Examples by Level

The teacher is quoting the rules to the class.

La maestra está citando las reglas a la clase.

Present continuous tense: 'is quoting'.

He likes quoting his favorite cartoon.

A él le gusta citar su dibujo animado favorito.

Gerund used after the verb 'likes'.

Are you quoting me?

¿Me estás citando?

Interrogative form of present continuous.

She is quoting a poem from her book.

Ella está citando un poema de su libro.

Subject + is + quoting + object.

Stop quoting that silly song!

¡Deja de citar esa canción tonta!

Imperative 'stop' followed by a gerund.

The sign is quoting the price of the apples.

El cartel está citando el precio de las manzanas.

Quoting used in a financial sense (price).

My dad is quoting a story he knows.

Mi papá está citando una historia que conoce.

Present continuous action.

Quoting is fun when we play games.

Citar es divertido cuando jugamos juegos.

Gerund used as the subject of the sentence.

The shop is quoting a low price for the shoes.

La tienda está citando un precio bajo por los zapatos.

Quoting used for commercial price giving.

He is quoting a line from a famous movie.

Él está citando una línea de una película famosa.

Present continuous with a direct object.

I am quoting my mother's advice today.

Estoy citando el consejo de mi madre hoy.

First person present continuous.

She enjoys quoting lyrics from pop songs.

Ella disfruta citar letras de canciones pop.

Gerund after the verb 'enjoys'.

The website is quoting different travel costs.

El sitio web está citando diferentes costos de viaje.

Quoting used for multiple price points.

Quoting your sources is a good habit.

Citar tus fuentes es un buen hábito.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

Why are you quoting that old book?

¿Por qué estás citando ese libro viejo?

Wh- question in present continuous.

The news is quoting the local police officer.

Las noticias están citando al oficial de policía local.

Quoting used in a journalistic context.

The contractor is quoting a fixed price for the kitchen.

El contratista está citando un precio fijo para la cocina.

Business context: providing a binding price.

Quoting experts can make your essay much stronger.

Citar expertos puede hacer que tu ensayo sea mucho más fuerte.

Gerund phrase used to describe a beneficial action.

He was quoting the Bible during his Sunday sermon.

Él estaba citando la Biblia durante su sermón dominical.

Past continuous tense: 'was quoting'.

The insurance company is quoting a higher premium this year.

La compañía de seguros está citando una prima más alta este año.

Financial context: insurance rates.

I'm quoting him exactly as he said it to me.

Lo estoy citando exactamente como me lo dijo.

Emphasis on accuracy with the adverb 'exactly'.

She is quoting the latest statistics on climate change.

Ella está citando las últimas estadísticas sobre el cambio climático.

Scientific/academic context.

The lawyer is quoting a previous case to the judge.

El abogado está citando un caso anterior al juez.

Legal context: citing precedent.

Stop quoting me out of context to win the argument!

¡Deja de citarme fuera de contexto para ganar la discusión!

Common phrase: 'quoting out of context'.

The journalist was accused of quoting the senator out of context.

El periodista fue acusado de citar al senador fuera de contexto.

Passive voice 'was accused of' followed by a gerund.

Quoting the CEO, the report stated that profits had doubled.

Citando al CEO, el informe afirmaba que las ganancias se habían duplicado.

Participle phrase used as an introductory element.

The garage is quoting three days for the engine repair.

El taller está citando tres días para la reparación del motor.

Quoting used for a time estimate/commitment.

She is constantly quoting obscure French philosophers.

Ella está constantemente citando a oscuros filósofos franceses.

Present continuous with 'constantly' to show a habit.

The stock market is quoting the price of gold at an all-time high.

El mercado de valores está citando el precio del oro en un máximo histórico.

Specialized financial context.

By quoting the original text, you avoid any ambiguity.

Al citar el texto original, evitas cualquier ambigüedad.

Preposition 'by' followed by a gerund.

The software is quoting a delivery time of five minutes.

El software está citando un tiempo de entrega de cinco minutos.

Quoting used by an automated system.

He spent the whole dinner quoting lines from 'The Godfather'.

Pasó toda la cena citando líneas de 'El Padrino'.

Verb 'spent' + time + gerund.

The scholar's tendency for quoting primary sources adds immense weight to his thesis.

La tendencia del académico a citar fuentes primarias añade un peso inmenso a su tesis.

Gerund used as the object of a preposition 'for'.

Quoting the 1954 ruling, the attorney argued that segregation was unconstitutional.

Citando el fallo de 1954, el abogado argumentó que la segregación era inconstitucional.

Introductory participle phrase establishing legal context.

The bank is quoting a spread of two pips on the currency exchange.

El banco está citando un diferencial de dos pips en el cambio de divisas.

Highly specialized financial terminology.

Her speech was a masterclass in quoting cultural icons to inspire the youth.

Su discurso fue una clase magistral sobre cómo citar iconos culturales para inspirar a los jóvenes.

Gerund used after the preposition 'in'.

The critic noted that the director was quoting Hitchcock throughout the film.

El crítico notó que el director estaba citando a Hitchcock a lo largo de la película.

Quoting used in the sense of artistic homage.

Quoting figures without context is a hallmark of populist rhetoric.

Citar cifras sin contexto es un sello distintivo de la retórica populista.

Gerund as subject with a critical tone.

The supplier is quoting a lead time that we simply cannot accommodate.

El proveedor está citando un tiempo de entrega que simplemente no podemos acomodar.

Quoting a 'lead time' in supply chain management.

He was quoting the manifesto so fervently that it felt like a religious ritual.

Estaba citando el manifiesto tan fervientemente que parecía un ritual religioso.

Adverb 'fervently' modifying the participle 'quoting'.

The act of quoting becomes a subversive gesture in a regime where the original texts are banned.

El acto de citar se convierte en un gesto subversivo en un régimen donde los textos originales están prohibidos.

Gerund used as the core of a complex noun phrase.

By quoting the intricate nuances of the treaty, she managed to expose the hidden loophole.

Al citar los intrincados matices del tratado, logró exponer el vacío legal oculto.

Quoting used for high-level analytical exposure.

The market makers are quoting prices that reflect the extreme volatility of the current geopolitical climate.

Los creadores de mercado están citando precios que reflejan la extrema volatilidad del clima geopolítico actual.

Quoting in the context of institutional finance and market making.

The postmodern novel is essentially an exercise in quoting and recontextualizing historical narratives.

La novela posmoderna es esencialmente un ejercicio de citar y recontextualizar narrativas históricas.

Gerund used to define a literary genre's methodology.

Quoting the verbatim testimony of the survivors, the historian painted a harrowing picture of the event.

Citando el testimonio literal de los sobrevivientes, el historiador pintó un cuadro desgarrador del evento.

Use of 'verbatim' to emphasize the precision of quoting.

The algorithm is quoting rates based on a myriad of variables that no human could calculate in real-time.

El algoritmo está citando tarifas basadas en una miríada de variables que ningún humano podría calcular en tiempo real.

Quoting in the context of high-frequency algorithmic systems.

His constant quoting of his own previous successes eventually alienated his colleagues.

Su constante citación de sus propios éxitos anteriores terminó por alienar a sus colegas.

Gerund used with a possessive and an adjective ('constant quoting of').

Quoting the foundational myths of the nation, the orator sought to unify the fractured populace.

Citando los mitos fundacionales de la nación, el orador buscó unificar a la población fracturada.

Introductory participle phrase in a socio-political context.

Common Collocations

quoting sources

quoting a price

quoting out of context

quoting verbatim

quoting a figure

quoting from memory

quoting a passage

quoting a rate

quoting extensively

quoting a reference

Common Phrases

Stop quoting me!

— A phrase used when someone is annoyed that their words are being repeated back to them.

Stop quoting me every time I make a mistake!

Quoting for a job

— The process of a professional giving a price for a specific task.

I spent all morning quoting for a job in the city center.

Quoting the law

— Using specific legal statutes to support an argument.

The officer was quoting the law to explain why the car was towed.

Quoting chapter and verse

— Providing very specific and detailed evidence for something.

He can support his claims by quoting chapter and verse from the manual.

Quoting a script

— Repeating lines from a play or movie.

The actors were quoting the script during the first rehearsal.

Quoting a statistic

— Using a numerical fact to prove a point.

Quoting a statistic about safety can help sell more cars.

Quoting an authority

— Using the words of an expert to add weight to an argument.

By quoting an authority on the subject, she convinced the board.

Quoting a poem

— Reciting or writing lines of poetry.

Quoting a poem at a wedding is a very common tradition.

Quoting a tweet

— Sharing someone else's social media post with your own comments.

I am quoting his tweet to show how much I disagree.

Quoting a source

— Identifying where a piece of information came from.

Quoting a source is necessary to avoid plagiarism.

Often Confused With

quoting vs citing

Citing is giving credit to a source; quoting is using the exact words. You can cite without quoting.

quoting vs paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is rewriting an idea in your own words; quoting is copying the words exactly.

quoting vs estimating

Estimating is a guess of cost; quoting is a firm price offer.

Idioms & Expressions

"Quote-unquote"

— Used in speech to indicate that the following words are someone else's or to show sarcasm.

He said he was, quote-unquote, 'busy' all weekend.

informal

"Don't quote me on that"

— Used when you are giving information but are not 100% sure it is correct.

I think the meeting is at 2 PM, but don't quote me on that.

informal

"To quote someone to their face"

— To repeat someone's words back to them, often to point out a contradiction.

I had to quote his own promise to his face before he would help me.

neutral

"Quoting the book"

— Following rules or instructions very strictly.

The new manager is quoting the book on every single procedure.

neutral

"A quote for the ages"

— A statement that is so powerful it will be remembered for a long time.

His victory speech was truly a quote for the ages.

journalistic

"Pulling a quote"

— Selecting a specific sentence from a long text to use as a highlight.

The editor is pulling a quote for the front page of the magazine.

professional

"Quoting prices"

— Engaging in the act of trade or negotiation.

They spent the afternoon quoting prices in the marketplace.

business

"Misquoting the truth"

— Distorting facts by changing small details of what was said.

The documentary was accused of misquoting the truth about the event.

critical

"Quoting by heart"

— Repeating something perfectly from memory.

He can spend hours quoting the entire play by heart.

neutral

"The quote of the day"

— A particularly interesting or relevant statement made recently.

That comment about the weather is definitely the quote of the day.

informal

Easily Confused

quoting vs Citation

Both involve using other people's work.

A citation is the formal reference (like a footnote), while quoting is the act of using the words.

The quoting was accurate, but the citation was in the wrong format.

quoting vs Reciting

Both involve repeating words.

Reciting usually implies a performance from memory; quoting is just using the words, often from a text.

He was reciting the poem while quoting the author's biography.

quoting vs Alluding

Both involve referencing something else.

Alluding is an indirect reference; quoting is a direct, word-for-word reference.

She was alluding to the scandal without actually quoting the news report.

quoting vs Excerpting

Both involve taking parts of a text.

Excerpting usually refers to taking a large chunk; quoting can be just a few words.

The magazine is excerpting a whole chapter, while I am just quoting one sentence.

quoting vs Stating

Both involve saying something.

Stating is just saying a fact; quoting is saying what someone else said.

He is stating his opinion by quoting a famous philosopher.

Sentence Patterns

I am quoting [name].

I am quoting Mom.

He likes quoting [thing].

He likes quoting movies.

The [person] is quoting a price for [service].

The plumber is quoting a price for the leak.

Quoting [source] is important for [reason].

Quoting sources is important for your grade.

By quoting [source], the [person] illustrates [point].

By quoting the data, the scientist illustrates the trend.

The act of quoting [thing] serves to [action].

The act of quoting scripture serves to unify the congregation.

Stop quoting [person] out of context.

Stop quoting the boss out of context.

The [system] is quoting [rate].

The website is quoting a high exchange rate.

Word Family

Nouns

quote

quotation

quoter

misquotation

Verbs

quote

misquote

re-quote

Adjectives

quotable

quoted

unquoted

citation

reference

excerpt

verbatim

attribution

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic, business, and journalistic domains.

Common Mistakes

Using 'quoting' when you mean 'paraphrasing'. → I am paraphrasing the author's main idea.
Quoting requires the exact words. If you change the words, you are paraphrasing.
Quoting out of context. → The journalist quoted the full sentence to provide context.
Taking a small part of a quote can change the meaning, which is misleading.
Incorrect punctuation placement. → He said, "I am ready."
Forgetting the comma before the quote or misplacing the period is a common error.
Confusing 'quote' and 'quotation'. → That is a beautiful quotation.
In formal writing, 'quotation' is the noun and 'quote' is the verb, though they are often used interchangeably in casual speech.
Misattributing a quote. → She is quoting Einstein, not Newton.
Giving credit to the wrong person is a major error in academic and professional work.

Tips

Use Quotes Sparingly

Your essay should be mostly your own thoughts. Use quoting only when the original author's words are so unique or powerful that you can't say it better yourself.

Be Specific

When quoting a price, always list exactly what is included. This prevents confusion and legal issues later on if the client expects more than you quoted.

Check Your Punctuation

In American English, periods and commas go inside the quotation marks. In British English, they often go outside unless they are part of the original quote.

Signal Your Quotes

When speaking, use phrases like 'In the words of...' or 'To quote...' so your listeners know when you are switching from your own words to someone else's.

Don't Misquote

Even a small change can change the meaning. Always verify the exact wording before you attribute a quote to someone, especially in professional settings.

Understand Precedent

In law, quoting a higher court's decision is one of the most powerful ways to win an argument. Make sure the quote is from a relevant and binding case.

Quote Tweets Wisely

When quoting a post on social media, try to add value or context rather than just repeating what was said. This makes for better engagement.

The 'Copy' Rule

Remember that quoting is just a fancy word for 'exact copying.' If you didn't copy it exactly, you aren't quoting; you're paraphrasing.

Integrate Your Quotes

Don't just 'drop' a quote into a paragraph. Introduce it with a lead-in phrase so it flows naturally with your own writing.

Automated Quoting

Many businesses use software for quoting prices. If you use these systems, ensure the data is updated regularly to avoid quoting incorrect rates.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'QUOte' as a 'QUestion Of' what was said. When you are QUOting, you are answering the question of exactly what the person said.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of large, glowing quotation marks ("") surrounding a person's mouth as they speak. Those marks are 'quoting' the words as they come out.

Word Web

Source Price Marks Speech Citation Verbatim Estimate Academic

Challenge

Try to spend five minutes only 'quoting' lines from your favorite movie in response to every question someone asks you. It will help you remember the word's connection to repetition.

Word Origin

The word 'quoting' comes from the verb 'quote,' which originated in the late 14th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'coter,' meaning 'to mark with numbers' or 'to number.' This, in turn, comes from the Medieval Latin 'quotare,' which means 'to distinguish by chapters and verses' or 'to number.'

Original meaning: Originally, to quote meant to give a reference number to a passage in a book, specifically the Bible or legal texts, so that others could find it easily.

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Romance branch via Latin and French, before being adopted into Middle English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when quoting religious texts or sensitive political figures, as misquoting can be seen as deeply offensive or a sign of disrespect.

In the UK and US, quoting 'chapter and verse' is a common idiom that comes from the history of quoting the Bible to prove a point.

The 'Quote Tweet' feature on X (formerly Twitter). Bartlett's Familiar Quotations (a famous book of quotes). The phrase 'To be or not to be' is the most frequently quoted line in English literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

Quoting the author...
As the study is quoting...
Avoid over-quoting...
The necessity of quoting...

Business Negotiations

Quoting a lead time...
Are you quoting a fixed price?
Quoting for the contract...
The price being quoted...

Legal Proceedings

Quoting the statute...
Quoting the witness testimony...
Quoting a precedent...
The lawyer is quoting...

Journalism

Quoting an official source...
Quoting the report...
Accused of misquoting...
Quoting verbatim...

Social Media

Quoting your post...
I'm quoting this because...
Stop quoting me!
Quoting a meme...

Conversation Starters

"Do you find yourself quoting movies often in your daily life?"

"How important is quoting sources correctly in your line of work?"

"Have you ever had a contractor quoting a price that was way too high?"

"What is the most famous line you enjoy quoting to your friends?"

"Do you think quoting someone out of context is always a form of lying?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when someone was quoting you and they got the words completely wrong.

Write about a quote that has inspired you and why you find yourself quoting it to others.

Reflect on the importance of quoting in academic honesty and how it affects your studies.

Imagine you are quoting a price for your dream job. What would the quote include?

Discuss the ethics of journalists quoting anonymous sources in major news stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, quoting is the opposite of plagiarism if done correctly. Plagiarism is taking someone's words without credit. Quoting is using their words and giving them credit with a citation.

Use it in spoken English when you want to show that you are using someone else's words, or to show that you don't agree with the words being used.

No, you can quote just a single word or a short phrase. This is called a partial quote and is very common in journalism.

It means providing a fixed cost for a service or product. It is usually more formal and binding than an estimate.

You can use quotation marks or, if it's a long quote, you can indent the text to show it's from another source.

Generally, no. If you must change a word for clarity, put the new word in square brackets [like this]. If you remove words, use an ellipsis (...).

It can be both. As a gerund, it's a noun ('Quoting is hard'). As a present participle, it's a verb ('He is quoting').

It is taking a piece of what someone said and using it in a way that changes their original meaning. It is considered dishonest.

People use their fingers to make quote marks in the air to show that they are quoting someone else or to express sarcasm about a word.

Yes, we quote friends, family, and movies all the time. It's a natural part of how we share information and culture.